The funds would also boost “collaboration with coalition partners to degrade and ultimately destroy ISIL,” she added, using another acronym for the group.

“ISIL poses an immediate threat to Iraq, Syria, and American allies and partners throughout the region as it seeks to overthrow governments, control territory, terrorize local populations, and attack the United States and coalition partners throughout the world,” Obama’s budget request says.

“The on-going conflict in Syria also continues to threaten regional stability and has displaced over 10 million people,” it adds.

“The budget provides funding for military operations, diplomacy, governance, and humanitarian and security assistance programs to address these challenges.”

Higginbottom said a further $1.1 billion had been requested by the State Department to fund diplomatic efforts in Iraq, where IS is holding a large swath of territory- AFP